Super Canola: Newly Developed High Yielding, Lodging and Drought Tolerant Double Zero Cultivar of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

The aim of present research was to develop a high yielding rapeseed cultivar having good quantitative and qualitative characteristics under the scenario of climate change. The research was initiated during 2005 and successfully completed during 2018 by Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad Pakistan. Super Canola (RBN-13018) is an outcome of hybridization (Rainbow × RBN-03052) in 2005-06 and subsequently following by the pedigree method of selection. Homozygous progenies from F7 were bulked in 2013-14 for yield evaluation in replicated trials. Its performance was evaluated in the station and outstation yield trials at different agro-climatic conditions. RBN-13018 performed well in all yield trials by giving 44% better yield in Station Yield Trials, 9% better yield in Micro Yield Trials and 23% to 29% better yield in National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials conducted during 2015 to 2017 than the check Canola varieties. It also gave 6% higher yield than the widespread rapeseed hybrid Hyola 401 in National Uniform Rapeseed Yield Trials. RBN-13018 showed good tolerance against Alternaria blight and White rust and also exhibited better lodging tolerance. It also performed well in Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 6000) induced drought and showed good genetic potential against drought stress. Oil quality analysis through Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy showed that it has a best ratio of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids for human consumption and its meal is also fit for animals. Agronomic studies revealed that this variety thrives well with the prevailing rate of inputs and agronomic practices. Considering the qualitative and quantitative performance of RBN-13018 Punjab Seed Council (Pakistan) approved this strain as commercial variety for general cultivation with the name of Super Canola.